Beyond Indecision and Indiscretion to Introspection and Inspiration, Diksha Mataj (Gita Daily)

Based on Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14, Text 10

“What should I do now?” We frequently face this question when life’s perplexities disrupt our routines. We usually respond based on not just the external situation, but also our internal mood at the moment. As our moodoften changes randomly, its unpredictabilityoften worsens our perplexity.

Gita wisdom helps us understand that our moods derive from the modes, which are subtle forces that shape our interactions with matter. The Bhagavad-gita (14.10) indicates that within our consciousness the three modes are in perpetual conflict. Let’s look at the typical mood induced by each of the modes:

1. Indecision: Characteristic of the mode of ignorance, indecision prevents us from both thinking clearly and acting decisively. Sometimes, indecision degenerates into self-pity, frustration and even senseless violence.

2. Indiscretion: Triggered by the mode of passion, indiscretion goads us towards acting without thinking. Usually, indiscretion aggravates our perplexity.

3. Introspection: Stimulated by the mode of goodness, introspection enables us to think carefully for ascertaining the best course of actionand then act calmlyfor implementing it. For our introspection to worksoundly, it needs to be guided by scriptural instruction.